African American
In reply to the discussion: You guys have to see this thread. [View all]Starry Messenger
(32,342 posts)The ultra-left were extremely nasty and negative to mainstream folks and wanted it to have a narrow appeal. They isolated themselves and told the community, which included people of color, (at least the people I work with, who have told me what happened to them) to GTFO. I was involved in a march where Occupy and the youth of Oakland marching for jobs almost got into it, because the white anarchists were being so racist and not working with anyone else.
On twitter many of the anarchists said that they specifically did not want Occupy Oakland to be something where families or mainstream political people would feel welcome. They actively resisted making spaces where marginalized groups could feel like their voices were being amplified, and instead emphasized the 99%, which doesn't acknowledge that a percentage of the 99% has been trampled down harder, and should get the first place in line to make sure their voices are heard.
Bernie was endorsed by Occupy, so...I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that many of the same attitudes that were attracted to Occupy have now shifted to Bernie. For some reason that defies all logic, they think that there is some silent majority of cool kids that are going to rise up and eclipse us, the boring and stupid people who already vote, and do some electoral miracle. It's like waiting for the Great Pumpkin, imo.
They exist to be infuriating and to split coalitions. Trying to get them to really "get" what you are trying to say is just like getting gum on your shoe, from my experience. They are very good at twisting what you say and making it sound like you are oppressing them with your oppression. (And you are right about the licking stuff!)